COMMUNICATIONS

Mary McDougall Member , Communications Committee , ARTA

— William Thackery

The 300 entries in the ARTA 2024 Photo Contest certainly attained those two goals . This year ’ s four categories included the usual favourites , Nature and Travel , as well as two new ones , Detail and Colour . All four categories at the Master level attracted equal numbers , while Nature and Travel still garnered more entries for the Novice photographer . The skills of our Novice and Master photographers were evident ; they never fail to amaze with their creative entries .

Serving as one of the three judges opened my eyes to the qualities of photographs that I particularly appreciated but was previously unable to identify . Judging alongside Virginia Quist , Manager , Creative Services , at ARTA and an Accredited Professional Photographer of Canada , whose skills are recognized in this magazine , as well as Gordon Michon , a multi-talented retired teacher and previous winner of our photo contest , was a perfect learning opportunity for me . Gordon has made photography a full-time hobby in his retirement , joining local photography groups and having his work published and displayed in local galleries . As judges , we identified the merits of each photograph ( without photographers identified ) and compared them with others within the category . With so many great entries , this was no easy feat . Many wonderful discussions ensued .

On behalf of the Communications Committee and my fellow judges , thank you to all who entered the ARTA 2024 Photo Contest and for showing such passion for photography . Keep “ making ” those pictures , not just “ taking ” them , while changing how we view everything around us . Plans for next year are well underway , and all are encouraged to submit your best shots .

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